Edinburgh Free Walking Tour: A Walk Through History

A walking tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, via:
St Giles Cathedral
Old Scottish Parliament
Mercat Cross and The Royal Exchange
The Tron Kirk
Canongate Kirk
The Scottish Parliament
Holyrood Palace

And stories from Scottish and British history:
The Reformation
Mary Queen of Scots
The Birth of British Democracy
The Union of Scotland and England
The Jacobites

In 2026, my tours will operate on some dates April to June, more often in July and August. The dates will be updated regularly, so keep checking the calendar.

I will tell you about different buildings along the route, and stories of Scottish history:

What led to Scotland's protestant reformation, and who was John Knox? He's buried under a car park, I'll show you where.

What happened to Mary Queen of Scots?

King James conducted witch trials. Then moved to London. Why?

The signing of The National Covenant in Edinburgh led to the execution of King Charles I in London. I will explain.

The Dutch invaded England and deposed the King. Really? Yes, it's true!

How did British democracy start?

Scotland joined England in a United Kingdom. Is it love?

And who were the Jacobites?

And in the 21st century:

Will Scotland become an independent country?

Did Scotland vote for Brexit?

The tour lasts 2 hours

Available in English

Guide: Iain

Guiding since 2022

Hello! My name is Iain, and I’ll be your guide. I am Scottish, and live in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. I'm a keen amatuer historian and will tell you all about Scottish history, culture, politics and society, on my guided walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Please join me!

6 stops

1.4 km walking

2 hours

Meeting point:Queensberry Memorial to Walter Scott, W Parliament Sq, Edinburgh EH1 1RN, UKThe meeting point is beside the statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott in West Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh EH1 1RN. Your guide will be holding a blue and white umbrella, in the design of a Scottish flag.Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

West Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 2RNThe walk starts in West Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral. Hear about Scotland's religious reformation and its importance in defining the Scottish nation.

Outside visit

Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RFOutside Scotland's historic Old Parliament Hall, and next to the Statue of Charles II, learn about Scotland in the 17th century, leading to union with England.

Outside visit

Adam Smith Statue, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Walk by the statue of Adam Smith, and hear about his relevance to Scottish history, and to events in today's world. Walk down The Royal Mile.

6 stops

1.4 km walking

2 hours

Outside visit

Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RFOutside Scotland's historic Old Parliament Hall, and next to the Statue of Charles II, learn about Scotland in the 17th century, leading to union with England.

Outside visit

Adam Smith Statue, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Walk by the statue of Adam Smith, and hear about his relevance to Scottish history, and to events in today's world. Walk down The Royal Mile.

4.75

12 reviews

Professionalism

4.83

Entertainment

4.42

Communication

4.58

Quality

4.83

Route

4.50

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.